Travel Precautions

Queensland's outback is a diverse landscape. It can be dusty, muddy, flat or flooded. The roads can be empty but they can also carry ten-car-long road trains. You never know what's around the next bend. It's best to be prepared for every situation. Below are some hints and tips to some of the situations regularly come across in the outback.

Queensland Wet Season Information

The wet season, commonly referred to as 'The Wet', is an annual weather event occurring generally between the months of November and April. The Wet affects tropical areas in central and north Queensland. During this season, these regions can experience heavy rainfall, sometimes causing flooding and/or land slips, which can isolate communities, industries and travellers. As a result of this flooding, roads can be affected by being cut off or washed away.

Roads that have been flooded must be carefully managed. To do this, road closures, load restrictions and traffic management may be implemented to protect the road asset and balance access for communities and industries.

At Main Roads, we understand the impact the wet season can have on the community and industry and we work as quickly as possible to restore the road network in flood-affected areas.

Main Roads provides regular updates to Department of Transport and Main Roads about road conditions on our network in Queensland. This information is available via the Department of Transport and Main Roads or by phoning 13 19 40.

Communication equipment. Your mobile phone may not work in the outback.

Unsealed Roads

Slow down. Dust may be disguising an oncoming vehicle, pot holes, loose gravel and slippery mud patches. Turn on your headlights where visibility is poor. Consider stopping if you can't see the road in front of you.

Sunrise and Sunset

Many of Queensland's outback roads have an east-west orientation. When the sun is low in the sky, clear vision is impossible. You could miss oncoming vehicles or hit an animal crossing the road. Avoid driving before 7.00 am and between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm.

Fatigue

Long distances and stretches of unchanging landscape can make a driver very tired. Stop for a break if you experience:

Don't start your trip too early in the day. Your body isn't used to concentrating before dawn or in the early hours.

Caravans

If you are a member of a 'caravanning convoy', don't travel too close together. Other road users will become frustrated if they are unable to overtake safely. The law requires caravans and other large vehicles, outside a built-up area, leave at least 60 m between each other. The distance is 200 m in a road train area.

Animals

Don't swerve to avoid an animal on the road. This may cause you to roll your vehicle. Gently brake and slow down. Beep your horn to alert the animal.

If you come across cattle and sheep on the road, stop and be patient. It's all part of the 'outback experience'. The animal might stop in the middle of the road to watch you approach. Just be patient; perhaps beep your horn and the animal will soon move on.

Weather Warning

If the roads are wet, be careful of slippery conditions and unstable road edges. Try to keep one wheel on the bitumen, if possible.

When driving in wet weather:

Keep your windscreen and lights clean

Keep headlights on low beam. In foggy conditions, it is easier to see the low beam

Use your air-conditioner or demister to keep the windscreen clear

Slow down

Double your following distance

After driving through water, drive a short distance slowly, with your foot on the brake pedal. This helps the brakes dry out.

If you come across a closed road, due to flood, do not attempt to enter. You could face a fine or even endanger your life.

If the road is flooded, avoid attempting to cross. Wait until the level drops or use an alternative route. The force of the flood water could sweep your vehicle away.